There are many contenders seeking the best mens water shoes title, with some excellent water sports shoes produced by the likes of North Face, Merrell, Columbia, Teva and Keen. Each shoe has been designed to cope with the increased forces generated when walking through water, the corrosive effects of salt, protection for the feet, excellent cushioning, and highly stylish designs. Under the feet, grip is superb for great traction on dry land as well as slippery river banks. Whilst Keen shoes are arguably the best for toe protection, the Merrell Waterpro one of the most practical, and Teva water shoes the lightest, If I was to have to choose the best mens water shoes, it would have to be the Vibram Five Fingers KSO range.
Vibram FiveFingers - Gloves for the feet
Vibram Five Fingers KSO shoes are not like any other, with a striking design featuring a separate toe box for each toe. The five lobed shoes offer a design which has served mankind for many millennia, namely the foot. The foot is a marvel of engineering, giving excellent shock absorption and incredible traction, with each of the five toes able to act independently to change grip in response to the terrain and when it comes to waterproofing, the feet can quite comfortably hold their own.
Vibram Five Fingers take this marvel of evolutionary design add simply add something which has yet to evolve; a thin layer of highly sticky Vibram rubber. As good as the feet are for movement, cushioning, and grip, when it comes to walking across hot tarmac, dealing with spikes, and wet weather traction they come up a little short. Vibram Five Fingers KSO correct all of these problems without taking away feel for the ground, or preventing a natural rolling of the foot from heel to toe. They just add a layer of protective performance rubber.
Vibram water shoes for men
Vibram Five Fingers hail from the genre of barefoot shoes, a range designed to maximise the health benefits of barefoot walking. When walking barefoot, the feet get a thorough workout, with the muscles working efficiently, the plantar fascia is stretched, and the weight is spread more evenly with the forefoot taking it fair share of the bodyweight. Barefoot shoes replicate the benefits to the body, easing the pressure on the joints and getting the feet back into condition.
Vibram Five Fingers feature no cushioning, instead relying on the musculature of the feet to provide the shock absorption. If you jump and land on your heels, it will be painful, just as being barefoot. All the rubber does is ensure that you stay exactly where you land. The uppers are only present to ensure that the rubber stays firmly on your feet, with a foot hugging design and a fit like a second skin. The design so comfortable that many forget they even have Vibram Five Fingers on their feet.
FiveFingers KSO uppers are constructed from a mix of Neoprene and Lycra, similar to that found in wetsuits. The design is highly comfortable, so much so, that many people forget they have them on their feet!. The material is soft and supple, excellent in the wet and dry, and with a secure fit they don’t rub against the feet and cause irritation. The hook and loop closure system is perfect for easy adjustment and removal when wet, and with the toes free to help with grip,traction is exceptional. You will find nothing on the market which can compete with Vibram Five Fingers for a natural feel, and the versatile design makes them excellent for windsurfing, climbing, bouldering, kayaking and all manner of outdoor pursuits.
Whilst many will prefer to have some cushioning, greater toe protection, and a more robust style, if you want a natural feel and a highly comfortable fit they are an excellent choice, and my personal favourite water shoes for men.
One word of warning though – There are many cheap copies of Vibram Five Fingers on the Market, but none have the legendary grip of Vibram rubber and a fit which remains snug throughout their lifespan. When there is nothing but a thin layer of rubber to protect the feet, it’s best not to take chances. If Vibram FiveFingers are a little out of your budget, go for Teva, Keen, or Merrell water shoes rather than buy a cheap copies.
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As what was said there are many contenders seeking the best men water shoes title but for me MICHIFUS is the best!
Why thank you Brenda!